A fresh leadership crisis has rocked the African Democratic Congress in Edo State after a faction of the party announced the suspension of its national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun, alongside former governor Osareimen Osunbor and other key members over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.
The suspension, which was contained in a statement issued by the Comrade Kennedy Odion-led factional State Executive Committee, also affected Ehigie Uzamare, Yisa Braimah, Nosa Ehima, Sylvester Ewanehi, Tony Alile, Jafaru Sumaila, Stella Alli, Igieogbe Asemota and Christopher Ojeikere.
According to the statement, the action was taken in line with Article 15(A)(iii), (vi), (viii), (ix), and (x), Article 15(B), Article 15(C)(1), (2), and (3), as well as Article 9(iv) of the party’s constitution. The faction said the suspension would last for a period not exceeding three months, pending the outcome of investigations by the state disciplinary committee.
The statement cited alleged acts of insubordination, anti-party activities and conduct capable of causing disaffection within the party as reasons for the disciplinary action.
It further accused the affected members of engaging in unauthorised factionalisation, including the creation of parallel structures and participation in unapproved groups and caucuses not recognised by the party.
Quoting the statement, the faction said:
“Edo State exco, acting pursuant to its constitutional powers, hereby approves the suspension of the affected members pending the conclusion of investigations.”
It added:
“Any member dissatisfied with the decision retains the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving the notice, as such appeals would be determined within 21 days by the appropriate organ of the party.”
Reacting to the development, Oyegun dismissed the claim, saying:
“It is laughable and not worth commenting on.”
However, the newly elected state chairman of the party, Tony Alile, who is recognised by the David Mark-led leadership, countered the suspension and insisted that Kennedy Odion had already been expelled by the party’s national convention.
He said:
“If you monitor the national convention, he was expelled. His expulsion was by the national convention, which is the highest organ of the party, so he does not have any power to suspend anybody.”
Alile further stated:
“Up till yesterday (Tuesday), he remained the state chairman of the party, as his tenure ends May 12 and our tenure commences from midnight on the 12th of May.”
He added:
“But as it stands right now, our party affairs are in the hands of the secretary, who is Charles Imuetinyan.”
On the legitimacy of the suspension, he said:
“So he (Odion) doesn’t have any rights to speak for ADC anymore or right to call any meeting in the name of the ADC, because the suspension is not just a mere television charade, it is a declaration from the national convention.”
The latest development has further exposed the widening cracks within the Edo chapter of the ADC, with rival factions openly contesting leadership and legitimacy ahead of the 2027 political realignments.
